MARAD Activates SUNY Training Ship for Classified Mission
The U.S. Maritime Administration is taking temporary custody of SUNY Maritime College's training vessel Empire State VII for a 170-day classified military mission.
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is activating the SUNY Maritime College training ship Empire State VII for a classified national security mission, citing a lack of other suitable vessels. According to an August 28 memorandum signed by Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel, no other suitable vessel was available to meet an urgent Military Sealift Command requirement.
The mission, classified SECRET, is scheduled to begin around September 1 and last approximately 170 days, potentially keeping the vessel away until around February 2027. MARAD described the activation as a matter of compelling strategic necessity following a direct operational request from the Commander of Military Sealift Command.
Authority and College Response
MARAD's detailed memorandum clarifies its authority to take temporary custody of the federally owned vessel. The document states that academy approval is not required and is not being sought. It also outlines procedures for potential disputes, noting SUNY Maritime may appeal operational directions but must continue complying during any appeal.
SUNY Maritime President Rear Admiral John A. Okon acknowledged the activation would likely cause anxiety and stress. In a statement, he told the college community that there is still much that we do not know but that the obligation was to prepare the vessel for federal use.
Impact on Training and Sealift Readiness
The potential disruption is significant as Empire State VII is the college's primary training vessel. MARAD pledged to work with SUNY Maritime to minimize academic disruption and identify alternative ways for cadets to meet sea-time requirements.
The activation raises questions about U.S. sealift readiness. The memorandum does not explain what specific capability the ship provides, why another government or commercial vessel could not meet the requirement, or why this ship was selected over other National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs).
Vessel Capabilities and Legal Provisions
Empire State VII is the first of five NSMVs, a new class designed to train merchant marine officers while also supporting emergency and national security missions. The vessels have capabilities extending beyond cadet training.
| Capability | Capacity / Feature |
|---|---|
| Cadet Accommodation | Up to 600 cadets |
| Emergency Operations Accommodation | Up to 1,000 people |
| Special Features | Hospital facilities, helicopter landing pad, roll-on/roll-off ramps, container capacity |
MARAD is invoking provisions in its agreement with SUNY Maritime that reserve the vessel for federal use when necessary. The memorandum stresses the ship is not owned by the academy but remains a public vessel of the United States.
Mission Logistics and Unconfirmed Reports
The academy's permanent officers and crew cannot be compelled to participate in the mission. MARAD may appoint a general agent to operate the vessel, though qualified SUNY personnel would be welcome to participate voluntarily.
The nature and destination of the mission remain undisclosed. Unconfirmed reports have suggested the ship could support military logistics involving Diego Garcia, a strategic base in the Indian Ocean, amid U.S. operations connected to the conflict with Iran. gCaptain notes it has not independently confirmed these details, and the MARAD memorandum does not identify any specific destination.
The activation comes amid heightened U.S. military logistics requirements in the Middle East. The memorandum does not say whether other Military Sealift Command ships, Ready Reserve Force vessels, or commercial U.S.-flag ships were considered. The finding simply states that within the required timeframe, no other suitable vessel is available.
